Vibration Analysis

Vibration Analysis plays a vital role when analyzing equipment installation and running conditions in rotating machinery. It is one of the oldest technologies we possess in the toolbox of reliability centered maintenance technologies yet one of the least understood.

With vibration data one can determine where and what is happening with the rotating elements whether bearing, shaft, sprocket, chain or gear. One can also see motor rotor conditions as well as electrical current stresses. To the trained eye, much can be gleaned from the properly taken spectral data. One key to a successful vibration program is trust in what the specialist tells the customer. The assistance of plant personnel in interpreting past histories and performance is essential to the most effecting program.

When data is taken over time, the information gathered enables one to track over-all machine performances and conditions. The pertinent frequencies are established by experience and data readily available from the original manufacturer. Consistent operating conditions are critical for true trending. In our world, these conditions are so variable that we have to be extra careful to examine all data each time taken. Otherwise, we run the risk of missing something significant or making a mountain out of a mole hill.

When Pepper Maintenance® comes to work every effort is made to analyze the conditions found. When conditions and actions warrant further assistance, every effort is made to bring all parties to the table to resolve issues that vibration levels indicate are of grave concern. All creation moves and vibrates. The quantification of those movements is what enables the customer to achieve maximum engineered life. Pepper Maintenance® expects maximum return on investment to their client. Vibration analysis is one of those keys to true, top performance.

In one example, Pepper Maintenance® noted to the customer as an area of major concern requiring immediate correction five years before the breakdown. Time destroyed the unit. Cost of repair - $119, 000. Cost to prevent the failure five years earlier – less than $3, 000. Which one would you prefer? Pepper Maintenance® assisted the customer in negotiating the fix.

Why is Vibration Analysis so Important?

There are occasions of multiple causes of failure, which also require a complete analysis of all issues.

Unbalance is a common cause, but that is not always the case. Unbalance is caused by a heavy or light spot, from various sources and conditions; rarely is it the primary reason for vibration.